Dispatch from NY #2

And to think I didn’t check the weather (most unlike me) until the day I was coming to New York.

Rather incredible to be in the belly of the beast, so to speak, for “The Storm of the Century”. To be honest, although it was ferociously windy and raining up here on the upper east side of Manhattan, we were very lucky as we never lost power. The hotel I’m staying in is very cozy. They kept guests regularly updated on the impending storm, distributed flashlights and apologized that room service and housekeeping would be on a limited basis only. They warned that in the case of a power outage the elevators would not be working. Which basically meant it would take the same amount of time it usually does to get down from the 15th floor in this charming but old building.

They also slid a letter under the doors assuring the bar downstairs would remain open

All public transportation was shut down by 7pm Sunday night while through the day and into Monday the city, dripping with Halloween decorations, awaited the sinister storm. Sunday afternoon the streets were eerily quiet. I popped out and walked down to the “Archivia Bookstore” to see Heather Clawson from “Habitually Chic” and pick up her new book (which is fab and will post about soon) Then, with plenty of forewarning from hyperventilating weatherpersons, I picked up as many last minute provisions as would fit in my mini bar and with nothing else to do really, I put on the television and waited…

A most surreal Halloween weekend

My NY Son’s apartment in lower Manhattan lost power, as did most of the lower part of the city. Thankfully we were able to be in constant contact via cell phones and his building, a very old one, sits high off the street so while dark, it stayed dry. Not so dry was the bar next door to his place which also remained open. Neighbors brought a boom box and by the glow of candlelight the locals watched the storm lash by outside.

My son’s girlfriend and their friends found a cozy spot in lower Manhattan to wait out the storm

Ground Zero last night

Probably the biggest story of the night must have been the loss of power at NYU Hospital, followed by complete generator failure, resulting in over 200 patients, including tiny ICU babies having to be evacuated to other hospitals throughout the city all night long. The efforts of the hospital staff and emergency relief teams certainly left me lump-throated and teary eyed. God bless those people.

Not quite sure how my son is going to get to work tomorrow as he takes the subway…

For all those in New Jersey, all along the coast and lower Manhattan, and they are millions, who’ve suffered power outages and water damage I truly hope that life will get back to normal for you very soon. No doubt the damage and disruption to life here in NY is going to be felt for weeks if not months to come.

photo via Habitually Chic

But if any city in the world is great at bouncing back, God knows it’s New York.

Bet you slept much better being closer to your son in this storm. Fantastic update, I haven’t seen the images of ground zero or the subways. Travel safe! ebh p.s. I love the Carlyle, but agree, slowest elevators ever!

I am from New York and your dispatch has left me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
As they say, you can take the girl out of New York but you can’t take the New York out of the girl.

Bless everyone in the path of this storm, and if anyone does not believe in climate change this storm should change their mind!
This is the first time that the island of Manhattan has been cut off from the rest of the city.

Glad to know you and your loved ones are ok, and dry.
It really is too much to comprehend. The picture of the subway is mind boggling that the water is so high; and the water at Point Zero, unbelieveable.

Watching this from the other side of the pond Slim in Australia. My state was devastated by flooding last year but nothing of the magnitude of Sandy. I love love New York and hope and pray for a speedy recovery.
Kate Bx

Wow Slimy can’t believe you were in NY for the storm of the century. Happy you were safe and made it through with the lights on. Have to say that your son’s girlfriend looks a lot like you. Thought it was you at first. Keep sending pics!

NY spirit will trump Sandy any day…ok, any day but yesterday…They will rally and turn their situations around as fast as humanly possible. So glad you are safe and sound and that you are able to keep us updated! Thank you!
xoxo, Chris

Thank you for the live reportage… I have been glued to the TV watching it all and worrying for friends… it’s hard to comprehend the damage from afar… Glad you and your family managed a weekend despite the drama… xv

Slim – how astonishing that you happened to be in NYC when Sandy hit! We, in Boston, experienced extremely high winds & torrential rains but did not get the flooding that has caused such devastation in NY, NJ, & Connecticut. Thanks for sharing your exerience & great photos. Ruth

To tell you the truth, the news has been so heavy that I truly appreciate this positive post. Only you could make a disaster seem like an adventure (but you gracefully hit just the right tone). That really is an “offering” during tough times. Thank you. Btw, your son’s beautiful girlfriend sure does favor his mama!
: )